Don’t stand by while Ohio’s House of Representatives makes important decisions about programs that affect your farm, your community and your way of life. Now is the time to express your support for 4-H, water quality research, and workforce development initiatives. The Ohio budget will determine funding for many programs and government agencies for the next two years. The Ohio House is currently considering the Governor’s proposed state budget and is in the process of drafting and considering amendments. Now is a critical time (while they’re deciding how they will vote) to let them know you support the following programs and that they’re important to you:

OARDC and Extension

Ohio State University Extension plays a critical role in making Ohio’s farms and businesses more profitable and efficient. OSU Extension plays such an important role in having successful and engaging 4-H programs and offers educational opportunities on everything from crop insurance to battling invasive pests to nutrient management and water quality.

The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) has a long history of conducting practical yet innovative research that creates jobs in Ohio’s communities. OARDC’s research has benefited society by helping in the efforts to keep Ohio waters clean and produce foods that are diverse, abundant, affordable and safe.

Take Action Now, and send a message to your House member and ask them to support OSU’s requested 3.1 percent increase in Extension and OARDC’s line items. The current budget package pending before the House proposed flat funding for these two critical programs. Show your support for their increased funding and click below.

Agricultural Technical Institute

ATI in Wooster is a two-year academic program and is the nation’s number one producer of two-year Associate Degree graduates in the areas of food and agriculture. Under the current budget proposal, ATI took a significant hit in funding. This program has a remarkable track record: within four months of graduation, 99 percent of graduates are either continuing on in school pursuing a Bachelors degree or are gainfully employed in the food and fiber sector.

Take Action Now to let Ohio’s House members know that ATI should be restored to its current funding level. The graduates of this program represent the future of Ohio agriculture and funding to support ATI’s hands-on learning environment is critical.

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.